You want to garden but do not have a large space? Or your yard is large enough, but the soil is not fertile for cultivation? Plant pots made of wood can be a cheap, easy, and effective alternative to overcome this problem. Box pots can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, and from a variety of materials. Read on to find out how to make one of those flower pots quickly without digging deep into your pockets.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Measuring and Cutting Wood
Step 1. Decide how big (or small) you want the pot to be
This decision should be based on how many flowers you want to plant in the pot, as well as the area where the pot will be placed later. For this article, we will make a small square pot measuring 120 x 60 cm.
Step 2. Buy wood
Pressure treated wood (a method of curing by applying pressure and adding a curing liquid) or cedar, are good choices for this project as they are both easy to work with and resistant to the weather that will affect the pot later. For small pots measuring 120 x 60 cm, you can purchase a 365 cm long wooden plank, which will later be cut to form the four sides of the pot. You will also need some materials for the base or floor of the pot.
Step 3. Cut the wood according to the size that has been set
Use a measuring tape to measure each side. Mark where you will cut it with a pen or pencil. Use a power saw or an ordinary hand saw and try to make the cut as straight as possible.
If you don't have a saw or don't want to cut it yourself, ask the local material store clerk to cut the wood to the required size. You may need to reward him a bit, but some shops will help chop wood for free
Part 2 of 3: Uniting the Boards
Step 1. Make guide holes in the two plank blades
Guide holes are holes drilled in the wood to make sure the wood doesn't crack when you screw in it. You just need to make guide holes on the two ends of the board (the shorter one). Make three guide holes 2 cm each from the end of the board. The second hole should be right in the middle on the wide side of the board.
Step 2. Fasten the board using galvanized screws
Galvanized screws are a better choice for outdoor pots, as the galvanized metal is weather-resistant and will not rust. Align the board so that the board with the guide holes is on the outside of the other corner of the board. Use a drill and drill bit to make sure each screw goes into the hole and through the other board.
You can also use a screwdriver instead of a drill and drill bit
Step 3. Measure the inside length and width to determine the base size of the box
With this size, cut the boards for the base of the pot using a saw. Place the board in the box. Use a drill and galvanized screws to attach the baseboard to all sides of the box.
Step 4. Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the box
Invert the now formed box and use a drill to make four or five drain holes in the bottom of the box. This hole must be made, otherwise most plants will get disease because their roots have been submerged in the wet soil for too long.
If your box is larger, make more drainage holes
Part 3 of 3: Adding Other Ingredients
Step 1. Place a layer of nylon or vinyl in the box
This layer serves to protect the wood in your pot. Cut the nylon or vinyl sheet to the size of the base of the box. Place it at the base of the box and secure it with a number of nails so that it does not shift its position. Don't forget to drill drainage holes in the nylon or vinyl and align the holes with the holes on the board.
Step 2. Sand the rough edges
By sanding it, the wooden pot will be smooth and nice, but this step is not mandatory. Take a piece of sandpaper and rub it in a unidirectional pattern on the edges and corners of the square. Sand the sides of the wood to remove sharp splinters.
Step 3. Apply paint, primer, or varnish
Choose a paint that matches the theme of your yard or home décor, or varnish a wooden pot to further highlight the color of the wood. You can also leave this wooden pot plain without paint, because cedar wood already looks beautiful on its own.
Step 4. Add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot, then add compost or loose soil
The gravel will help level the water supply. Adjust the type of soil or compost you use with the type of plants or flowers you want to plant there.
Step 5. Plant any flowers, plants or seeds you want
Don't forget to water it.
Step 6. Congratulations on your new wooden pot
Tips
- You can add brackets to strengthen the wooden pot. Attach 3 x 3 cm squares to the high side of your wooden box.
- You can also use this wooden pot and adjust its size for decoration on the window.